History of Humble Branch

. I3TGRY OF TEE El'MBLE LIBRARY Che Humble Branch of the Harris County Public Library began itTs service in 1921 with a collection of 114 books deposited in the school for circulation. Miss M. .Yhiteley was in charge. The circulation for the month of November was 26: , which indicated excellent use for the first month. At the end of the first year there were 388 books in the collection with a circulation of 771 for November 1922. The circulation continued to increase and in 1923 the library was divided. Half of the books were moved to the ward school and half left in the high school. Two teachers were put in charge. During the summer months the library was moved to the Retail Merchant’s Association.lt was moved back to the school in September. This was done in order to help the school in it’s work for college credits. For the month of November 1923, which ended two years service, the library collection -was 607 with a circulation of 1114 books , opening two days a week. In 1926 the library was moved, to the church with Miss Margaret Carpenter in charge. Plans for a separate library buildin^ were made in April 1928. An additional afternoon for circulati n became necessary. The result was a 30# increase in circulation. The Humble citizens were very anxious to work out housing space in the new Bumble Court House, and was to have been ready by eptemberl, 1928. York on this slowed down and was temporarily at a standstill, Mrs. John Franks succeeded Miss Carpenter in 1929. This was a temporary arrangement, rs. I.E. Deckard became librarian in February 1929, with the library opening three days a week. The library was finally moved to the City Hall. The quarters were so cramped the library could not possibly grow. It served only as a checking quarter and was impossible to give other service until larger quarters were to be had. In 1932 Humble followed G-oose Creek in circulation with 2?, 907 books. This was itTs largest circulation. Curing 1932 the Humble library gained access to the Court room as a reading room. A Board meeting was called in 1933 to discuss plans for im¬ proving the housing conditions of the library though local cooperation and Civil .Yorks administration. This was postponed, pending a decision of the use of the present Court House. In the bummer of 1935 Mayor Hester drew up more plans to enlarge the present Court House. In his plans he provided for more space for the library. The citizens of Humble were to pay for the building with the aid of I.Y/.A. labor. These plans are still pending. The citizens of Humble are very hopeful that their plans can be worked out.